The Hometown Tourist: Omaha

EcoScents Candles

2011-11-27T17:08:00.000-06:00

Remember the old adage, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade"? Today, I met a family who took that bit of wisdom to heart. My visit to the EcoScents showroom and warehouse was a breath of fresh air - and not just because of the candles. (Though the candles did smell wonderful.)

The company was founded in November of 2009 by husband and wife team Chad and Erin Kampschneider. They didn't have any previous experience in making candles. In fact, Chad was a hedge fund manager. But with the stock markets plunging, they knew they had to do something different. A candle burning on the table as they talked gave Erin an idea.

It took a lot of research and a thousand unsuccessful attempts before they got the recipe figured out, but all of that hard work has paid off. EcoScents candles are making a name for themselves, and with good reason.

The candle making process is a family affair done completely by hand. They start by adding hydrogen to pure soy beans and melting them down to a liquid. Soy burns longer and at a cooler temperature than paraffin wax without leaving soot behind in the jar - or on your walls. It's also good for the economy since the soy beans come from American farmers.

Next, dye and scent are mixed in.

Then the candles are poured. The recipe has to be adjusted depending on the time of year. A five-degree difference in temperature can impact the consistency of the candles, but after two years, they've gotten it down to a science. The cotton wicks are also environmentally friendly and never need to be trimmed, and the jars are recyclable.

Finally, each jar is labeled. Custom labels can be ordered for businesses or special events. They will even make custom labels for weddings that can include an engagement photo.

You can stop by their warehouse/showroom on 156th and West Center Road to see the candle making process for yourself. They're hosting a holiday open house on December 10, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a great chance to find some special gifts for the people on your list this year.

Doing some Christmas shopping at EcoScents was definitely a win-win situation for me. I got to support a local business and buy a special product that is good for the environment and very affordable. An 8 ounce candle burns for 50 hours and costs $11.25. A 16 ounce candle burns for a 100 hours and costs $14.25.

I wasn't planning to shop for myself, but when I saw the new aroma lamps, I couldn't help it. They are beautiful. Some are "night light" style in that they plug directly into the wall, which is great for kitchens and bathrooms. Others are more for a table top. All have dimmer switches to control the amount of light and fragrance given off. (If you notice the picture of Oprah on the lower shelf - it's because EcoScents was voted one of Omaha's Favorite Things in conjunction with the farewell Oprah show last May.)

The lamps burn soy squares, which are available in packages of 6 for $3.99. Each cube burns for about 35 hours.

After two years, EcoScents has really taken off. You can find their candles at many local HyVee stores, or you can buy them online at http://www.burnecoscents.com/ORDER.html as well as at the showroom at 2528 South 156th Circle; Omaha, NE 68130.

With all the bad news about the economy and various protests happening around the country, it was such a pleasure to meet the Kampschneider family and see their courage, creativity, and hard work in action. I'm glad they're a part of my hometown.

Not NoDo Anymore

2010-10-07T23:07:00.000-05:00

At her show at the Slowdown a few months ago, Ingrid Michaelson commented on how great the area was and how you could find anything you need right there - "Like Urban Outfitters, which is a really great place to shop for clothes!"

Really? Hmm. I hadn't given it much thought. So the next day, I drove back to the Slowdown with my camera to see what she was talking about. I should have worn sunscreen, because when I started walking around the area, I found a lot more to explore than I'd expected.

"Old Things New" is a theme I keep coming back to, and I found that phrase coming to mind again. North Downtown used to be a booming business district, but things dried up after the Hilton Hotel was built on top of 16th street in 1966, cutting off the major traffic artery that connected north downtown with the rest of the central business district. (The DoubleTree Hotel is in that location now.) The move was probably motivated by racial and religious tension; the majority of the businesses impacted were owned by members of the African American and Jewish communities.

The area picked up the unfortunate nickname of "NoDo," a moniker that was sadly accurate. But after several decades, things are starting to change. North Downtown is becoming a cool hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment again.

As I wandered around in full tourist mode, shamelessly taking photo after photo of things most "natives" walk by without a second glance, I ran into one of the friendly employees of Greenstreet Cycles. I thought I should explain myself after he walked by me twice, probably wondering why this weirdo was taking pictures of the building, so I gave him a Hometown Tourist card and explained the blog. Like me, he's an Omaha native who had to move away for awhile to really appreciate what's here. We had a nice chat about Greenstreet and the North Downtown area in general.

I think this would be a fun date night. Dinner on the patio at Goodnight's Pizza Bar...

...followed by a movie at Film Streams...

...or a concert at the Slowdown or the Qwest Center. They're all in easy walking distance of each other.

The T.D. Ameritrade Stadium is going up next to the Qwest Center, so we'll have another entertainment option soon.

Notice the mix of old and new - shiny buildings in the background, and the railroad crossing sign in the foreground. Trains have been an important part of Omaha history since the 1860's, bringing goods and growth to the city since it was chosen as the eastern starting point for the first transcontinental railroad. A series of murals on a building facing the Qwest center explores Nebraska's past and present, focusing on our roots...

The old and the new, co-existing peacefully side by side. I like it. It has character.

The more time I spend being a tourist in my own hometown, the more I find to appreciate about it. The irony is that sometimes it takes a visitor from out of state to make me see what's right in front of me.

Oh - and I found a really cute sundress on sale at Urban Outfitters for $10. Thanks for the tip, Ingrid!

Ingrid Michaelson at the Slowdown

2010-07-11T23:54:00.001-05:00

To really understand this blog post, there's something you need to know about me:

I'm a girl guitar player.

I love to jam out on my Taylor or Martin acoustics, and I've even been known to rock a Stratocaster on occasion. I love to play, but I have this niggling insecurity about what that says for my femininity. I mean, come on - wielding an "axe" is still pretty firmly guy territory, even though there are some amazing female guitar players and singer/song writers out there.

Also - I love music. I especially love watching talented performers in a live setting where I can see and hear them clearly. Arenas are great, but I prefer more intimate venues for the most part. (As my siblings know - checking out the gear and watching the guitar players' hands is half the fun for me.)

Given that bit of background information, you'll understand why I so thoroughly enjoyed Ingrid Michaelson's show at the Slowdown on Friday night.

The Slowdown is located at 14th and Mike Fahey Drive. It's just a couple of blocks from the Qwest Center, although the two venues couldn't be more different. No hockey games or Olympic trials will ever be held here. But if it's music you love - the Slowdown lets you get up close and personal with the folks on stage. (Wonder if that's why Ingrid Michaelson joked about us all being her best friends? And talked about the kind of bra she was wearing... You had to be there.)

The show was sold out, but we still had no trouble finding a good place to stand. We could have gotten closer by going down onto the floor, but - well, I guess the other thing you should know is that I'm short. We stood on the second tier where we could see over all those tall people.

Jason Reeves opened the show. He did a great job, and I think we'll see a lot more of him in the next year or so. He and Colbie Caillat have actually been friends for a long time. I'm listening to songs from their shared MySpace page as I write this evening.

After Jason's set, I watched the techs set up for Ingrid Michaelson. Then the band started coming out.

At this point, I overheard a conversation behind me. It went something like this:

Girl A: Where's Ingrid Michaelson?

Girl B: She's right there! (points to girl on the left)

Girl A: Oh! I didn't know! (embarrassed laugh)

Me: That's okay - I didn't know either. (smiling to make her feel better)

Anybody get the joke yet?

Ingrid Michaelson was not, in fact, on stage. (Sorry, Girl B. Bet you feel kinda silly now...) When she did come out a moment later, I was confused. I thought she was a piano player, but instead she picked up the ukelele.

I thought Curt Isaacson was the only one who could play an instrument like that and lead a band with presence and power, but Michaelson was amazing.

Her band members were amazing, too. I was especially impressed by the two girl guitar players with her. They were so pretty and cute and undeniably feminine, and they completely rocked. You don't see a girl wearing a little black dress and playing a Strat every day of the week!

At one point in the show, they played "Chinese Fire Drill." Every band member rotated to a new instrument in the middle of a song, and then they picked up the song from there. It was awesome.

Michaelson herself ended up back at the drums.

And eventually, she played the piano.

Her band members kept changing instruments, too. People like that just make me sick. (With jealousy...)

Yes, that really is an accordian he's playing. I'm finding that the right musicians can make any instrument sound cool.

Michaelson had us all laughing with her easygoing banter about everything from bras to Lady Gaga. And she even taught us a little choreography.

They also covered a song by a girl Michaelson predicted could become a big star someday - a young lady by the name of Britney Spears. And the best part? The whole band did this whole choreographed dance.

She played "The Way I Am" three different times during the show, in three completely different ways. One time was normal. One time incorporated "Ice Ice Baby" and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song. And the third time changed it from folky to rocking. (Not my favorite version - but it made for an entertaining finale, and that was the point.)

It was a great night at the Slowdown.

Lauritzen Gardens

2010-07-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

The bad news: Taxes are going up. And surprise, surprise - those of us who make less than $250,000 a year won't be exempt from the tax increase. "Read my lips - no new taxes." Uh huh. You know that's bunk no matter which president says it.

The good news? If your vacation turns into a staycation - or you just need a quiet place to get away from your worries for awhile - the Lauritzen Gardens offer a beautiful, relaxing retreat. Located off 13th Street north of the zoo and Rosenblatt, there are 100 acres with over 15 gardens of different themes, connected by nicely paved walk paths. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free. A variety of memberships are also available. There's ample parking in the lots by the visitors' center.

The visitors' center has several displays, a pond, a cafe, a gift shop, and very nice bathrooms. It's also air conditioned. The rest of the gardens are outdoors. They are not air conditioned unless the wind is blowing. Hopefully that won't come as a shock to you, but a friend of mine used to work there, and someone actually called and grilled her about it. I guess you never know if you don't ask...

When you start out from the visitors' center, the Victorian Garden will be your first stop. Green to the core, many of the architectural components came from buildings that were torn down in Omaha or Council Bluffs. Recycling should always look this good.

This door reminded me of The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett.

Some of the garden areas are formal, and some are more casual. I love the way existing elements like mature trees have been incorporated into designed features.

Who can resist a mysterious stairway like this? Go on - see what's around the bend. You won't be sorry.

It's a model railroad garden! With seven trains running on four different lines.

The buildings are all done to scale and made from natural elements like twigs, acorns, and pinecones. Can you recognize any of these Omaha landmarks?

I'm guessing the lights inside are not made of natural elements, but they're pretty.

The Children's Garden is a bright, colorful experience for all five of your senses. Kids are involved in planning and maintaining the garden. You can schedule an appointment for a special kids' tour, and they may even get a chance to do some hands-on gardening.

Appealing to the sense of sight is pretty easy in a garden setting.

But how about the sense of hearing? Kneel beside these plants and listen carefully. What birds and insects do you hear?

Touch these and feel how soft and fuzzy they are. If you look closely, you'll find some little bugs snuggled up on the leaves. (Click on any picture to see it larger.)

Break off a leaf of chocolate mint and enjoy - but leave some for the rest of us! I need to get some of these plants for my garden at home.

Last but not least - the sense of smell.

The cabin in the Children's Garden appeals to the sense of play in all of us. I just had to go inside. Oh - and the window is a great spot to pose with a friend for a picture.

A scale version of Mt. Fuji on the future site of the Japanese Garden. But I have it on good authority that you're not supposed to climb the mountain... It isn't nice to tease us with stairs that go halfway.

Some girls would do anything just to get flowers from their guy. But Diane got way more than a nice bouquet in the herb garden!

Remember Anne of Green Gables? This reminds me of the scene where she meets Roy Gardner in the gazebo in the pouring rain. Ah, so romantic! (But the moral of the story? Sometimes we don't know what we really want until we get exactly what we think we want - and realize it isn't right for us at all.)

Before we turned back toward the visitors' center, we paused to rest in the Garden of Memories. This plaque honors Mrs. Kimball Lauritzen, who served on the board and was a key fundraiser for the gardens. She was active in other community organizations as well, including the Omaha Community Playhouse and the Omaha Public Schools, until her death of cancer in 2008.

The benches surrounding the reflecting pool provide a beautiful place to think about those who mean the most to us and the good times we've shared with them.

The Lauritzen Gardens are a great place to make new memories, too. Enjoy!

Union Station (aka - the Durham Museum)

2010-06-29T15:26:00.000-05:00

When I was in high school, we put together an original show called Union Station to Tokyo Bay as part of the Victory 95 celebration commemorating the end of WWII. We performed it at the old Firehouse Dinner Theater in the Old Market. (The Firehouse closed a couple of months later - no fault of ours, I'm sure!) For that weekend in September, my friends and I basically lived downtown. We arrived early to get ready for the matinee, then walked the cobblestone streets and explored the shops until it was time to go back for the evening performance. I'd been to the slides at the Gene Leahy Mall with my family before, but this was my first time really exploring the Market, and I loved it.

I had no idea that Union Station was just a few blocks away. Looking back, I'm not sure whether the "Union Station" in the show's title was a reference to the one in Washington D.C. or the one right here in Omaha. Our teachers picked it, and I never thought to ask. Maybe it was both.

Built by Union Pacific, the building at 10th and Leavenworth opened in 1931. It was designed as an art deco show piece, fitting for a station that was so close to the company's headquarters.

When rail travel was at its peak, this was one of the busiest terminals in the country. On an average day, 10,000 passengers came through this particular Union Station. Intricately detailed bronze sculptures give us a glimpse back into that time.

The best history lessons are the ones you can climb right into - literally. Like this train car.

Or this streetcar. You can even take a turn at the controls.

Omaha started out as a "Walking City." But when streetcars began to run, the "Streetcar Suburbs" developed - like Fontenelle and Benson. The cars ran in a big loop, connecting each part of the city, with gardens and parks built in between. When you sit in this streetcar, you can look out the windows and see a little bit of what those passengers might have seen.

It's too bad you can't climb into these cars. Still, they're fun to look at. Which one do you like the best? Personally, I'm a big fan of the old convertible.

Or maybe you prefer really old convertibles? If you can tear yourself away from the trains and cars, there's a pretty neat display that helps show how people first arrived in Omaha.

No McDonald's along the way? No problem.

Pop quiz - how do you keep your eggs from breaking on a long, bumpy journey?

Houses like this came long after the time of covered wagons, but before those modern marvels of air conditioning and indoor plumbing. Well, it kind of had air conditioning - if there was a nice breeze. I wonder if that's why so many people had rocking chairs - to stir up a little extra air?

They found ways to entertain themselves without television.

And they made good use of every inch of space.

Omaha is well-known for its medical centers today, and that tradition goes back to its early history. Clarkson Hospital was founded in the early 1900's. But privacy laws regarding health information are relatively new.

Here's a closer shot of the same page. I wonder what "Acute Plumbism" was? Sounds painful...

An early wheelchair, which could also double as patio furniture. (Just kidding.)

This last photo really has nothing to do with the rest of the blog, but it was too good to leave out. Cudahy's was one of the big meat packing plants in town. And here was one of their specialty items...

I know you're hungry now!

If you haven't lost your appetite, be sure to stop at the old-fashioned Soda Fountain or Candy Shop!

There are also interactive activities for the kids, a photo archive, and a temporary exhibit on natural disasters running through September 12th.

Admission to the Durham Museum is $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. (Kids under 2 are free.) Free parking is available in the museum's two-tiered lot.

Hello, South 24th Street

2010-06-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

When you think about south Omaha, what comes to mind? Before taking my Geography of the City class, my mental picture was of a mostly run-down area with a large Hispanic concentration. I wasn't completely wrong. But I wasn't right, either.

A hundred years ago, South Omaha was a city unto itself - a boom town with three of the top five meat packing plants in the nation drawing workers with the promise of good-paying jobs. Immigrants of many ethnicities moved into the area. In fact, South Omaha was growing so fast that it could have annexed Omaha instead of the other way around. West of the stockyards on 24th, "Sheelytown" was home to many Polish immigrants. South of the stockyards, Little Bohemia had a large Czech population. (The Bohemian Cafe is still a popular spot on South 13th Street.) A Jewish temple was established at Park Avenue and Jackson. Little Italy developed south of the Burlington building and what's now the Durham Museum. And many Germans settled the area west of Rosenblatt.

South Omaha had its own City Hall and Police Court at 24th and O Street.

The Roseland Theater provided entertainment. It only had one movie screen, but you won't see detail this intricate adorning our modern multi-plexes.

You can see what drew people to the area reflected in the building below - Packers National Bank. Today, it's an immigration office. That seems appropriate somehow.

The building below hasn't been as well preserved or restored, but it shows again that intersection of the past and present. It has a Czech name inscribed on top - J.V. Vacek - but the first floor has been converted into a clothing store.

El Vaquero Imports has transformed this building, giving it a southwest flavor.

A beautification project completed recently gave the sidewalks a pretty amazing new look.

The community has a positive atmosphere. Many people of different ages were out and about doing their shopping or enjoying a tasty lunch at El Alamo. The wait staff at the restaurant was very friendly, and we were able to communicate in spite of their broken English and my very broken Spanish. Oh - and the Burrito Colorado was incredible! Pictures don't do food any justice, but I'll put one up anyway.

I was also amazed by the murals lining a series of buildings on N street just east of 24th. The following photos show sections of the mural.

One last photo. This is a small mural on a building across the street from the ones above.

The neighborhood is still in transition, but it's looking good. I admire all the hard work that's gone into revitalizing the area. Way to go, South O.

The Old Market in a New Light

2010-06-21T23:47:00.001-05:00

The Old Market is one of Omaha's best-known hot spots. Its brick streets and buildings create an inviting atmosphere for many unique shops, local art galleries, great restaurants, and live music. You can go for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or get your caricature drawn by an artist on the street. The Gene Leahy Mall and the Heartland of America Park provide beautiful places to relax or go for a walk. You can even take a gondola ride on the lagoon.

But as I learned this past week, the Market hasn't always been this way. It's gone through several evolutions over time. In fact, forty years ago it was a ghost town of empty buildings with a high crime rate. It's come a long way since then. But how did it begin?

In Omaha's early days, it was a farmer's market. The ghost signage on the buildings reflects this early business.

The cast iron grates and doors on the ground near many buildings in the Market cover old cellars that were used to store produce before there was refrigeration.

Bill Paxton was a successful entrepreneur involved in many businesses. One of his companies created the iron grate above. Take a look as you walk around the Market. You'll see his name all over.

Most of the buildings were constructed of brick, which is strong and fire resistant but doesn't allow for large windows to be put in. Since the area was a produce market, stores needed large windows to display their goods and attract customers. The solution was to use cast iron for the building fronts. Cast iron is also very strong and made it possible to have large, colorful displays.

If you look closely, you can still find banana hooks in some of the original ceilings. Unloading bananas from rail cars used to be one of the most dangerous jobs you could get since eight-legged passengers often hitched a ride up from South America.

The Upstream Brewery is housed in the old fire station. The large windows in front used to be doors for fire carriages. In one of life's great ironies, the third floor of the station was destroyed by - you guessed it - a fire. The firemen were sitting outside when it happened and didn't know until someone came running to tell them.

"A fire? Where?" they asked.

Boy, were they surprised.

The top story was never rebuilt.

One of the most beautiful places in the Old Market used to be nothing more than an alley between two buildings. Add a skylight and lots of beautiful plants, and you have the Passageway.

The Passageway has two levels with art galleries, restaurants, and other shops. It's also a popular spot for taking senior pictures.

Another great place for photos is the Burlington Place.

Built in 1879, the top floors served as headquarters for the Burlington and Missouri River Railroads. The first floor was used by a wholesale grocer. Thomas Kimball was asked to renovate the building in 1899. He took out the center of the building, installed a skylight, and put in a floor of glass bricks to allow light into the basement.

The elevator and the ironwork were also Kimball's doing.

The railroad vacated the building in 1966, and it sat empty until 1983, when it was restored for use as office space.

It's wonderful to see how old things can be made new again.

Stories from the Cemetery

2010-06-16T23:24:00.001-05:00

Someone asked me recently what teachers do during the summer time. Well, working on our tans is always a good option. But this summer, I'm also taking a course in the history and geography of Omaha. It's been amazing. Every afternoon, we've gone on tours and field trips around the city, and I've learned so much more about my hometown.

One place we visited was Prospect Hill Cemetery on 32nd and Parker. Our tour guide was Burke history teacher Bill Deardoff, and he shared some fantastic stories about people here in Omaha's oldest graveyard.

Prospect Hill began in 1858, and many of the prominent leaders of Omaha in its pioneer days are buried here. (And as Deardoff cheerfully noted - many of them were as crooked as they come!) A caretaker's house sits at the entrance. The cemetery is open daily, with a special celebration held on Memorial Day each year.

Some of the stories from the cemetery are sad. Small statues of lambs mark the graves of children who died in infancy. They are weathered now, but the sight of these two lambs together still makes me feel for the family who suffered such a loss.

Children who were older when they died - but still far too young - are watched over by angels.

But a few of those young people earned their place in the cemetery by acting with a lot of enthusiasm and not a lot of wisdom. The monument below is a memorial to four boys who were just looking for a good time. They had a gun and wanted to do some shooting, so they headed down by the railroad tracks where there wouldn't be a lot of people around. (So far, so good - right?) They set up their bottles on an old shed and fired away. Unfortunately, they used the shed that the railroad stored their explosives in. Suffice it to say...they went out with a bang.

There was no way to separate or identify the remains, so they were buried together. It looks like the monument has been vandalized, but the pillars were actually meant to differ in height to represent the boys.

When I saw the grave below, I wondered how a man and a woman with different last names came to share a burial plot. As it turns out, Dan Allen and Anna Wilson were two of early Omaha's most colorful characters.

Dan was a gambler who arrived in Omaha by river boat. When he got here, he found that Omaha had plenty of gambling establishments, but they were mostly rigged. Dan carved out a niche for himself by setting up a higher class establishment where people might actually win money once in awhile - and make it out the door safely with their earnings. His place was located on the second floor of a building over a pawn shop, and our tour guide credited him with inventing the first ATM machine.

There was a dumb waiter that ran from the gambling hall down to the pawn shop. If someone was losing at cards, they could lower their watch down on the dumb waiter. Up would come a pawn ticket and some money. If they happened to win, they could lower the money (with interest) and their pawn ticket back down and reclaim their watch. How's that for pioneering spirit?

Anna Wilson was a "ruined woman" when she arrived in Omaha. But in the climate of the city, she kind of felt at home. She set up a large, upscale house of "friendly women." Business was booming, and when the movers and shakers came in for their entertainment, they also liked to brag about their business exploits. Anna listened in and started buying real estate out from under them. She may have been ruined, but she was nobody's fool.

Somehow, Dan and Anna met and fell in love. Anna continued to run her business but didn't practice the profession herself anymore. They wanted to marry, but given their backgrounds and professions, no church in town would do the honors. They lived together but never had children. And when Dan died, Anna had him buried at Prospect Hill and erected this monument to him.

Anna brought fresh flowers to his grave throughout the year. She eventually got out of her business altogether and donated the mansion for use as a hospital. (The city gladly accepted - after she had the anatomically correct female statues taken out and replaced by traditional wooden columns.) She gave many other contributions to people in need during her lifetime, and she bequeathed her entire fortune to hospitals, charities, and the city.

Before she died, Anna made arrangements to be buried next to Dan. And just to make sure they didn't dig her up and move her somewhere else, she had them pour a slab of concrete five feet thick on top of their graves! She had a shady past, but in the end, it was her charity that people remembered most. One family began leaving flowers at her grave every Memorial Day, and the tradition is carried on now during the annual Memorial Day celebration at the cemetery.

Andrew Poppleton was another colorful character in our history. He was a ringleader in helping to rig the vote more than once so Omaha could remain the site of the territorial capital. But he was also a lawyer who represented Standing Bear, the Ponca chief, in his trial at Fort Omaha. As a result of that trial, Native Americans were recognized as human beings with rights as citizens for the first time.

Prospect Hill has become the final resting place for soldiers from every American war since the War of 1812. (Don't feel bad if you missed that one in history class. It was a short conflict with the British in which very little happened - except for the writing of our national anthem.) You might see a star with the inscription "GAR" near some tombstones. These soldiers fought in the Grand Army of the Republic - the Union Army - during the Civil War. The first picture shows a replica from the caretaker's house close up. The s second shows an actual star near a headstone.

If you're interested in learning more about the residents of Prospect Hill, the caretaker's house has several pamphlets with information. I'm also curious to read A Dirty, Wicked Town: Tales of 19th Century Omaha. I'm afraid it won't paint a very glowing picture of our town's history, but it probably won't be dull, either!

I like the moral Bill Deardoff drew from the story of Dan Allen and Anna Wilson: Making mistakes in the past doesn't have to be the only thing you're remembered for. Let's hope that's true of both cities and people.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Take Me Out to the Blatt

2010-06-15T22:43:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,
As you probably know, this summer will mark the end of an era. Rosenblatt Stadium - home to the College World Series since 1950 and the Omaha Royals since 1967 - will be coming down at the end of the season. New stadiums are already being built to replace it, but many long-time fans are making the most of their final summer at the "Blatt."

I got a chance to visit last Friday night when the Royals took on the Nashville Sounds. As the temperature cooled and the rain clouds skirted around us, it was a great night for baseball. Our home team came through, defeating the Sounds by a score of 5-0.

Lincoln native Alex Gordon must feel pretty at home on this field. Gordon attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and played at Rosenblatt with the Huskers during the 2005 College World Series. He was a first-round draft pick in 2005 and has spent most of the last few seasons with the Kansas City Royals. But after several injuries, he is spending this summer in Omaha with the AAA Royals and moving from third base to left field. Fans may want to catch him while they can. He'll probably be back in the majors soon, assuming all goes well with his recovery.

Of course, watching the game is only one reason to visit Rosenblatt Stadium. Equally important is the wonderful excuse it provides to eat ball park food. My sister and I skipped the peanuts and cracker jacks, but we enjoyed cold sodas and a hot funnel cake loaded with powdered sugar.

If you have kids, they'll have a blast in the inflatable play area located in front of the stadium. (And maybe they'll get some of that sugar out of their systems!)

If you're into video screens - the one located over left field is the largest in minor league baseball. Wonder if they'll move it to the new stadium?

Down the right field line is a smaller, more traditional scoreboard - and a nice view of another Omaha icon. The Henry Doorly Zoo is just east of the stadium.

There's always something to keep you entertained between innings, too. One contestant got to roll giant dice from the press box down to the field for a shot at $100. The dice bounced over spectators' heads on a net and tumbled onto the field, but Lady Luck must have been in the restrooms. It was close - but no cigar.

The Bucket Boys, on the other hand, were winners every time. Using 5-gallon buckets as drums, they entertained the crowd with fun rhythms and fancy stick-twirling. (Think Drum Line without the marching.)

The part I was looking forward to the most, though, was the fireworks. There is a display complete with music after every Friday home game.

This was my first time taking pictures of fireworks with my new camera, and I made an interesting discovery. The "Fireworks" setting does a nice job, but it's hard to use without a tripod. (Notice how blurry the Rosenblatt sign is in the background.) The "Action" setting worked out a little better.

I thought traffic would be horrible when we left, but it wasn't bad at all. We had parked in one of the first lots by the stadium, but for those who parked further away - there were police officers on hand directing traffic and serving as crossing guards.

A few details to keep in mind if you decide to take in a game this summer... The stadium is located on 13th Street just off of Interstate 80. Several lots with free parking are located on the west side of the stadium along 13th. There are lots of different promotions and special events throughout the season, so check the website or the official Facebook page to see what's coming up. Tickets run from $7 to $13.

The College World Series kicks off this weekend. Reserved tickets are sold out, but general admission seats are still available. The CWS website has information about tickets, schedules, parking, and shuttle services.

Strategic Air and Space Museum

2010-05-30T13:26:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends,
I didn't plan this post to coincide with Memorial Day weekend, but the timing worked out well. I was planning to visit the Strategic Air and Space Museum later this summer, and then I met a new friend who volunteers out there doing restoration work. I've been fascinated by airplanes since I was little, so it was great to visit with someone else who shares that interest and could give me behind-the-scenes stories about planes in the collection - and a chance to climb into the cockpit of a B-36!

The museum is located just off of exit 426 on Interstate I-80, about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. I missed the entrance on my first visit and almost missed it on my second. You can't see the building from the highway, but it's the turn immediately west of the main entrance to Mahoney State Park. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12, and $9 for senior citizens and active duty/retired military. Guided tours are available at 11:00 daily at no extra cost.

When you enter the museum, you're instantly in the presence of greatness. Just behind that glassed-in front sits one of the greatest aircraft ever created, poised as if it's slicing through the air on one last mission. Ladies and gentleman, I give you the SR-71 Blackbird...

The Blackbird was used for reconnaissance from 1966 to 1990. It flew at speeds of over Mach 3.2, but it's exact maximum speed is still classified, and it still holds speed and altitude records. A strange fact that I learned from my friend is that the Blackbird actually leaked jet fuel when it took off. This was not considered a problem, though. As it flew, the plane would expand, and this sealed up the leaks. The Blackbird could take surveillance photos of 100,000 square miles in an hour, flying so high and so fast that no one even knew it was there. Developed by the secretive "Skunk Works" division of Lockheed at the request of the CIA, it was a crucial tool to have during the Cold War. I'm adding Skunk Works to my summer reading list. It was written by one of the key developers of both the Blackbird and the Stealth fighter, and the preview on Amazon looks terrific.

The B-52 Stratofortress has been an integral part of the Air Force since the 1950's, and it's still used today. This heavy bomber is a true work horse. It can perform many tasks, including sea surveillance, suppression bombing, precision strikes, and aerial mining. It can drop bombs by free fall or deliver air to ground missiles. It was originally designed to carry nuclear weapons, but let's hope it's never used for that purpose. (The museum also has a B-29 Superfortress on display. B-29's were used to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII.)

You might notice that this B-52 isn't in the best shape. It still shows wear from when the museum was located near Offutt Air Force Base, and the planes were displayed outside. You might also notice the Strategic Air Command (SAC) emblem just below the cockpit. It features an iron fist holding both an olive branch and a lightning bolt, and it says a lot about the role SAC has played over the years. Housed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, SAC was a crucial hub for reconnaissance gathering/analysis, coordination of long-range bombing missions, and defensive missile control from 1948 until 1992. When I was a kid, my uncle was stationed at Offutt for awhile. He told me that if America was ever attacked, Omaha would be the first place wiped off the map, because SAC would be a primary target. He was right, of course - SAC was tucked in the middle of the country for a reason - but was that really something a 7-year-old needed to know? Sheesh.

Near the B-52 is the B-36 "Peacemaker." For some reason, I didn't get a photo of the outside - probably because it's so huge - but you can see it here at the museum's website. The Peacemaker is the largest production aircraft ever built and the only U.S. bomber that never dropped a bomb during wartime. (Ironic, huh?) It had the ability to fly to another continent, drop its weapons, and come back without re-fueling. Obviously, it couldn't out-maneuver enemy fighters, and our fighters didn't have the same range. So the engineers came up with a unique solution...

This photo is of the underside of the B-36, standing in the open bomb bay and facing toward the cockpit. It was dark inside, but my flash lit it up fairly well. Notice that contraption at the front? It was made to carry one of these...

When an enemy challenged the B-36, the tiny Parasite could drop out of its belly to provide protection. When the enemy was vanquished, the Parasite could hook back up to the B-36 for the ride home. It didn't work too well in practice, but it was quite an idea.

The cockpit wasn't technically open during my visit, but with a friend in high places - no pun intended - I got to climb inside. (The museum does have special days when the planes are open for all visitors.)

This was the most amazing part to me. Check out these controls. Parking brake at the top, and right below that? Yeah - you really, really didn't want to hit the wrong switch coming down the runway.

This photo was taken from the "sunroof" in the cockpit looking back toward the tail. It gives you an idea of how big the plane is, although my camera lens could only capture a small section of the wings.

The wings are actually 7' thick, and crew members could walk back and forth inside of them to service the engines in flight. The B-36 is unique because it has both propellers and jet engines. Fires were so common upon takeoff that men were stationed below the plane with fire extinguishers. How would you like to have that job?!

The F-4 Phantom was the primary fighter used in Vietnam. The model on display here has been outfitted for reconnaissance rather than combat.

The arch-nemesis of the Phantom was the Soviet-designed MiG-21. When a MiG was delivered to the museum, the boxes arrived with a simple message - "Don't ask questions." Museum workers didn't know what they'd gotten until they opened the crates and started putting the pieces back together. The aircraft, which is currently being restored, carries the insignia of the North Vietnamese Air Force. The MiG is smaller and more maneuverable than the F-4. How we acquired enemy aircraft during wartime remains something of a mystery, but it allowed our pilots to find ways of fighting against a plane that had previously outmatched them.

The EC-135 is not currently on display. In fact, it's not even fully assembled. This is a shame, because the "Looking Glass" was an important part of SAC's mission from 1961 until 1990. For almost thirty years, one of these planes was in the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They circled the area on constant alert, ready to take command if the unthinkable happened and the land-based control centers were destroyed. The plane in this photo was the last one to land when that program ended. It's now parked behind the restoration hangar. We still have planes on 24-hour alert, but they are land-based rather than in the air now.

In 2001, the museum's name was changed from the Strategic Air Command Museum to the Strategic Air and Space Museum. There are several rockets on display in front of the building, and there is a permanent exhibit on Clayton Anderson - an astronaut from Ashland, Nebraska. If you have kids, they might enjoy a trip to the "International Play Station."

The museum also offers summer camps and "Top Gun" weekends for kids from 8-13. (I'm so jealous! I could pass for 13...maybe....) Okay, maybe I can't pass for 13 - but kids of all ages can try out the flight simulator for $5. And a new Star Wars exhibit just opened this weekend.

The museum also has a book store, gift shop, and the Plane Food cafe. Individual and family memberships are available, which provide free admission to the museum, invitations to special events, and discounts on gift shop purchases and summer camps. I don't go often enough myself for an individual membership to be worthwhile, but I would be tempted to get a family membership if I had kids.

Well, a picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words, but no picture even begins to convey the experience of standing next to an SR-71 Blackbird. You'll have to check it out for yourself. Hope you have a great ride.

Ted and Wally's Premium Homemade Ice Cream

2010-05-28T19:18:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,
It's officially summer time! And to get this summer started right, I met a couple of good friends at Ted and Wally's ice cream shop at 12th and Jackson in the Old Market. If you've been in Omaha for any length of time, you're probably familiar with Ted and Wally's already. But if you've never been there - or you haven't been there for awhile - it's definitely a worthwhile tourist stop.

We visited on a Thursday afternoon, but the small parking lot was full and there was a line inside even at 1:00. As we waited to order, one of my friends noted the sign proclaiming that Ted and Wally include more milk fat in their ice cream than any other brand. Who brags about something like that?! Another sign warned, "Unattended children will be given a double shot of espresso and a free puppy." Yikes!

Flavor offerings vary, so you never know what concoctions you may find. I sampled a bit of Peanut Butter ice cream. It was delicious, and I was tempted to get it with some sort of chocolate mixed in. But Peppermint Oreo won out in the end - a decision I didn't regret for a second. A regular dish was just under $4.00 with tax.

A family with a little boy was in the booth next to ours. The boy was fascinated by the churning ice cream machines, so one of the employees let him come over and peer in when a batch of ice cream was finished. I have to admit - even as adults, it was fun to watch the colorful barrels and the wheels spin.

Good thing it was a beautiful afternoon! We walked off a few of the calories with a visit to the park and a little window/sidewalk shopping. But the extra milk fat really does make a difference in the taste. It's richer and creamier than store-bought ice cream or even Dairy Queen. I wouldn't recommend it for daily consumption, but it's an awfully nice treat!

Yam Festival (Sorry - no food involved)

2010-05-14T06:50:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,
I know this is last minute - but if you're looking for something interesting/exciting/unique to do this weekend - think Yam. Actually, think djembe. And dancers in colorful, African attire dancing to multi-layered drum beats produced using traditional African instruments.

The Yam Festival is an annual event sponsored by the African Culture Connection. It brings together professional dancers and drummers from Africa and the United States, who tell a story using African drumming and dance. This year's performances are at the Omaha Community Playhouse tonight and tomorrow. Tickets are $15.

I got to see a preview of the show when the performers visited my school last week. Unfortunately, I had to be responsible and do the teacher thing, so I didn't get any photos. (Hey - you try interpreting in sign language an taking pictures at the same time!) But the performance was enthralling for everyone, including my deaf students.

Wish I could tell you more about the djembe, but I have to go be responsible and teach again. Suffice it to say - I started playing it in college, and I know from experience that it's the world's coolest instrument. When you hear it, you have to move to it. And if one comes close enough to touch, you can't help but try it yourself.

Off to the races. Happy Friday!

Omaha the Beautiful

2010-05-08T23:30:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends,
Hope you're enjoying this beautiful spring weekend. I had a wonderful time exploring some of the Old Market with one of my favorite co-tourists today - my sister, Katie. The sunlight and clouds made it a great day for taking pictures. You know me - I love a good cloud. I think they get a bum rap for being gloomy. Most of the time, they make the day brighter and more interesting than a plain old blue sky does. So we did a little shopping and a lot of snapping photos.

We started with white mochas at 13th Street Coffee to keep us warm as we wandered through the Farmer's Market at 12th and Jackson. We both got some super cute bracelets from "Granny's Baubles" - a vendor from Plattsmouth who makes all of the jewelry herself. And no - the irony of going to a farmer's market and coming away with jewelry was not lost on us! (Our mom wanted to know who was growing diamonds...) In our defense - there isn't a lot of fresh produce available so early in the season. I did buy several pepper plants for my garden. I've never tried growing vegetables before, so keep your fingers crossed for me. Better yet - keep your thumbs crossed, especially if you have a green one.

The Farmer's Market will run every Saturday morning through October. I'm looking forward to going back later in the summer and writing more about it then.

After the Farmer's Market, we strolled over to see part of the Heartland of America Park from ConAgra's campus near 10th and Howard. The path leading up to the campus is lined with trees and American flags. (This photo was taken from near the ConAgra entrance, looking back down the path.)

A water fountain and clock tower are situated across from the building's entrance.

There were beautiful views of the Heartland of America park from this vantage point. It was tough to get a good angle on this water feature, though. Katie got a much better shot last summer than I did today. Hopefully she'll post it for us...

Can you believe we have scenery like this in downtown Omaha? I can't wait until the other fountains are turned on in the park and the gondolas are out. I remember visiting the park with my family when I was young. It was evening, and the fountains were lit with colored lights. It was so romantic!

Next, we visited the Gene Leahy Mall at 13th and Farnam. I hadn't been there for years, but the "downtown slides" were a huge favorite for us as kids. Take some wax paper to sit on, and these are almost as good as riding a roller coaster. You'll even get that funny feeling in your stomach - like your stomach is floating while the rest of your body drops. The chilly breeze may have deterred some folks today, but kids and adults alike form long lines to go down the slides when the weather is warm.

The lagoon provides lots of great photo opportunities. This fountain is nice. Not sure I'd use that handrail to descend, though...

I don't usually like metal sculpture, but I love this one. It's called "Tree House with French Doors," and it sits beside the lagoon. (I know - you want to climb it, right?) It's been marred with some graffiti, which is too bad. But we got a kick out of the note someone wrote on the side: "Toy Story 2 was okay."

Katie got this photo as we made our way around the walk path. The lower building in front is the W. Dale Clark branch of the Omaha Public Library - 4 stories of delight for the reader/researcher. The Woodmen Tower in the background is a familiar landmark in the Omaha skyline.

I believe Katie took this photo as well. You can see part of the walk path around the lagoon and the bridge that spans it. The island in the center is planted with native flowers and grasses, though nothing is blooming yet.

At the far end of the lagoon, we climbed down the stone steps to sit at the water's edge.

As we relaxed and enjoyed the view, we had a visitor swim straight toward us. Maybe he was hoping for food, but I think he just wanted to get his picture taken. Here he comes...

And there he goes... (No zoom on these pictures at all. This is how close he came.)

I hadn't gotten a good photo of his face, so I clucked at him to come back. He was happy to oblige and turned so I could get his good side. (I did zoom in for this one.)

It was so restful and beautiful by the water that it was hard to leave.

As we walked back to the car, I couldn't help but take a few more pictures. I just love the architecture downtown.

It's easy to find the negatives about my hometown sometimes - especially when I'm stuck in traffic. But taking a few hours to explore this side of the city gives me a much greater appreciation for it.

It's good to be a Tourist.

Hot Shops Art Gallery

2010-05-02T22:41:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends,
There were so many activities happening in Omaha this weekend, it was hard to pick one - the Cinco de Mayo celebration, the opening day at the Farmer's Market, and the open house at the Hot Shops art gallery. So I guess oversleeping on Saturday morning was a good thing, as it helped narrow my choices down.... Actually, I'd been planning to visit the Hot Shops open house since I first heard about it a month ago. It was a great experience - but if you missed it, don't worry. The gallery is open 7 days a week, and artist receptions are held on a regular basis. So you'll have other opportunities to explore the work of artists like these...

Gerard Pefung's narrow room on the second floor would have been easy to miss, but a fellow tourist pulled me inside to see one of the most unique exhibits in the gallery. Pefung is an "aerosol artist." That's right - he says it with spray paint. And what an amazing statement he makes. The painting beside him in this photo is one of two that he did of Michael Jackson. Both pieces were commissioned shortly after Jackson's death by a man whose girlfriend was in deep mourning for the singer. (That's love, I guess - to buy your sweetheart a painting of another guy. Hmmm....) Anyway, you should definitely visit the gallery and see these before the boyfriend picks them up. The second painting is of Jackson as a child. Pefung captured an expression of youthful joy and exuberance beautifully in the young Jackson's eyes - a stark contrast to the wild, pained expression seen here in Jackson as an adult.

Pefung also showed us selected pieces from his upcoming show, which will feature elephants as its theme. When asked why he picked elephants, Pefung explained that we all want to be elephants. Elephants are wise. They have strong family ties - even mourning for the loss of a loved one. And no one - not even the king of the jungle - messes with an elephant. We were lucky enough to get a glimpse inside of Pefung's sketchbook and see how he starts with very realistic drawings and slowly makes them more and more abstract. The full show will debut at the Nomad lounge. You can see more photos of Pefung's work on Flickr or send him a message on Facebook to get more information.

After admiring Dar Vandevoort's work at the Artists Co-Op Gallery, my sister and I were excited to meet her at the Hot Shops open house. The painting behind her is of her niece. You have to see it in person to really appreciate how the use of puzzle pieces - Dar's trademark technique - adds depth and texture to the little girl's braids. As my sister pointed out, the expression on her face and the detail of her eyelashes are equally impressive.

The paintings that we both loved at the other show were on display at Hot Shops as well - the one above, and a second painting that appears to be a companion piece. I had thought about the painting above as the sky, and the second one as the ocean - but Dar explained that the second one is also the sky. Her husband is a pilot, so they spend a lot of time in the air. The other painting shows what it looks like when they're over the clouds and getting ready to descend. Both tissue paper and puzzle pieces add texture to the purple backdrop with swirls of light. Thinking of it as both ocean and sky makes me love it even more. (And coincidentally, these would go great with the color scheme in my house - just in case anyone is in a generous mood. My birthday is coming up in a few months....)

You can't have "hot shops" without a little heat. During the open house, we got to see glass blowers and blacksmiths work their fiery magic. Wouldn't this be amazing as decoration for a party? So beautiful.

Another one of my favorite displays was in the aptly-named Hallway Gallery. Photographer Joseph Vavak showed selections from his "ninety-three" collection. He's a kindred spirit, I think - a kind of "Homestate Tourist." He's been traveling to each of Nebraska's 93 counties to photograph whatever interesting and unique things he finds there. In his blog, Vavak describes himself as "a photographer from Omaha, Nebraska that has a somewhat puzzling obsession with the mundane and the everyday." As a writer, I loved the way so many of his photos carry the spark of a story. The camera man admitted to being more comfortable behind the lens than in front of it, but he graciously posed in front of one my favorite pieces - a shot from a museum in Ainsworth that tells the life story of one of its past residents.

Whew! I'd meant for this to be a short blog, but I can't sign off without telling you about one more artist - Jacqueline Bequette. Bequette's paintings also feature rich texture, created by painting her canvas with glue and randomly dropping handfuls of paper scraps over it. She lets the scraps fall where they may and uses them to add line and texture to her work. Her inspiration came from this portrait she did of her daughter. The scraps used here were actually from paper that her daughter journaled on, and her words became incorporated into the portrait.

I'm not an artist myself, but I love seeing the talent and creativity of people here in my hometown and hearing their stories about what inspires them. Thanks to the artists at Hot Shops for sharing your talents and stories with me. It was great to meet you.

Local and Global - Blue Summit

2010-04-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,
Thanks to a tip from a fellow tourist, I discovered another gem in my hometown this week. I'd driven by it many times before, but it had never caught my attention. On the outside, it's a rather plain looking store - a small, square island on an ocean of concrete on South 120th Street. But looks can be deceiving.

Inside Blue Summit (4101 S 120th Street), I found a treasure trove of unique items created by artisans from around the world. Better yet, I learned how Blue Summit is a member of the Fair Trade Federation. Their goods comes from over 50 developing countries - including Haiti, Vietnam, Uganda, and Nicaragua - and every artisan represented in the store has received a fair, sustainable wage for his/her work.

The sales clerk I talked with was very welcoming and knowledgeable about the store's merchandise and the people who created it. When I mentioned that I've always been interested in Vietnam, she showed me a number of pieces, including the green and white planter below (in the center of the top shelf) and the tart burner (lower level on the left). My favorite was a blue and white tea set, but I'm not posting a picture of that. (I'm hoping it will still be there when I go back!)

Many items have a story that goes with them. For example, the bangle picture frame and box below have a card explaining how women in India collect broken glass from the streets and transform that "trash" into these beautiful, functional pieces. (Click on the photo to see it larger.)

This purse by Global Girlfriends is another great example of "fair trade" meeting "earth friendly." The artisans recycled plastic to make the fabric for the purse. It's also cute and practical. The inside has a zippered pocket for storing personal items and an open pocket for a cell phone.

These orange peel dolls from Bolivia were too cute. (And they smelled good, too!)

The children's corner had some cute books, toys, and instruments. I was excited about the drums...

Near the front counter, necklaces and bracelets by Bead for Life hang in two colorful rows. The clerk explained that the beads are made by Ugandan women from recycled paper. In addition to providing jobs for women in poverty, the company also supports vocational training, affordable housing, and health programs in Uganda. (I had no idea recycled paper could look like this...)

Other items in the store included coffee, chocolate, baskets, clothing, sculpture, lotions, candles, stationary, and more. The prices were comparable to what you would pay in other stores. You can find great products with great stories behind them and know that your money is going to support a great cause. Having a store like this in Omaha makes me feel proud of our community. Hope you'll stop in and check it out soon.

Special Concert This Weekend - Seanachai

2010-04-08T18:49:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends,
I wanted to let you know about a very special concert at the Holland Performing Arts Center this weekend. It's called Seanachai - Gaelic for "storyteller." The concert will feature a collaboration between Omaha-born singer/actress Jill Anderson and the studio choir from Northwest High School under the direction of Curt Isaacson. Together, they will present a range of songs from traditional Scotch-Irish music to more modern pieces with Gaelic roots. The common thread? Each song tells a story.

If you've watched Glee or any of the High School Musical movies, you know how talented high school students can be. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of show choir music - although I admire the talent of the performers. But I am a big fan of Curt Isaacson, and his choir performances are unlike any other I've seen.

I first met Curt when we were freshmen in college. Even back in the dorms, he was building his own stringed instruments and composing music on them. He's the only guy I know who could write a song on a strum stick and have it sound amazing. He also wrote and performed songs on a lap dulcimer that he built himself. And he started listening to and playing Celtic music.

When I saw one of his show choirs at a competition last year, it was no surprise that they focused on traditional and world music with tight harmonies and varied acoustic instrumentation. I don't own the soundtracks from Glee or any of the High School Musical movies. But if Curt Isaacson's choir produced an album, I would probably buy it.

The following video explains a little bit more about how Seanachai developed and shows highlights from the rehearsal process. (If you can't see the full width of the video below, click here.)

As good as they sound through my computer speakers, I can't wait to hear them live in the Holland Center. As some of you know, I've been watching my pennies and looking for "Free to $5" events for the last couple of months. But I'm splurging on this one.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. All tickets are general admission, and they are $15 each (plus a $4 handling fee per ticket if you order by phone or internet.)

To order tickets or hear some of the songs you can look forward to, go to www.TicketOmaha.com or call (402) 345-0606.

For more sound clips, visit the Northwest Choral Music homepage.

You can also find Jill Anderson's cool of the day album on Amazon.

Hope to see you there!

Holmes Lake - Lincoln

2010-04-03T00:19:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends,
Tonight I visited a friend in Lincoln, the city that first inspired me to become a hometown tourist. Actually, it was leaving Lincoln that provided the inspiration. I lived there for three years. In the weeks before I moved back to Omaha, I got to thinking about all of the restaurants, shops, and museums I meant to visit but never had. (I've still never been to a Huskers game, and I could have gotten tickets as a grad student. Sad, huh?) That's when I realized that I should have been a tourist in the city where I lived. And I decided to do better when I moved back to my hometown.

I may have missed a lot in Lincoln, but one spot I visited often was Holmes Lake (70th and Normal Blvd). My dogs and I stopped there before we headed home tonight. We braved the storm clouds and the gusting winds, and we were rewarded with a beautiful walk.

Some of the clouds looked a little menacing, but they only splashed us with a few drops. The wind was powerful, though. It forced me to turn my baseball hat around backwards to keep it from flying off - a funny sight, I'm sure. Even the ducks at the far end of the lake were sticking close together. "Safety in numbers" as my mom always said. I guess duck mothers give the same lecture.

The lake is encompassed by a gravel trail. It has a rural feel even though it's tucked into southeast Lincoln. Images like this always getting me thinking about shadows and light - and how the interplay between them makes the world so beautiful.

There is a dock and a couple of landings where boaters can get onto the lake. Fishermen (and women) have easy access to the water on a number of rocky outcroppings.

Holmes also has baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and a playground for the kids.

Notice the trash can there by the tree. Not a beautiful sight, but the presence of trash receptacles spaced out around the lake is a definite plus for those of us who travel with dogs. (Not that I don't enjoy carrying a nice bag of dog poop for a mile or two...)

I thought about sitting here to watch the sunset, but I'd left my jacket in the car, and the wind was getting cold. Still, you can't beat a view like this.

By the time we came full circle - about a 45 minute walk, including pauses for the dogs to take care of business and for me to take pictures - the storm clouds had all moved out.

Pardon My Crumbs....

2010-03-26T13:41:00.005-05:00

Hello Friends,
I'm usually very careful about keeping food and crumbs away from my computer, but I can't help myself today. I'm going to keep munching on this delicious challah bread while I tell you about one of my new favorite places.

A bakery might not seem like an obvious choice for a tourist stop, but Great Harvest Bread Company is no ordinary bread store. One of my favorite things about being a Hometown Tourist is discovering great people who do great work with joy and passion. Dennis and Marian Cihacek - who began Great Harvest in Omaha 16 years ago - are definitely two of those people.

The "Free Slices" sign can be seen outside of all three locations in Rockbrook, Dundee, and West Omaha on Tuesdays through Saturdays. (They're closed on Sundays and Mondays for "loafing.") Pop in, and one of the friendly employees will cut you a generous slice of whichever bread you'd like to try. Butter and honey are available, too - but try the bread without it, first. I couldn't believe how much flavor it has all by itself - even the white bread.

The bread at Great Harvest is truly unique from the very beginning. It starts with whole wheat grown by family farmers in Montana. The wheat is transported to the stores, where it's ground into flour on site, fresh every morning. The bakers arrive at 3 a.m. to begin this process, and they really seem to love their work. When I visited at 10 in the morning, they were still joking and having a good time as they continued to prepare loaves of bread and rolls for the oven.

Breads are made with all natural ingredients and no additives or preservatives. They're baked throughout the day, so you can pick up a hot loaf almost any time.

Breads range in price from $4.00 to $8.50. Some are offered everyday - including Honey Whole Wheat, Old-Fashioned White, 9-Grain, and Cinnamon Chip. Each day also features 4-6 additional offerings, such as Tomato Herb on Thursdays or Challah on Fridays. And the Baker's Choice breads vary from month-to-month. (One of the specials for March was a Reuben-stuffed Rye with corned beef and sauerkraut baked in. It was incredible.) A printed schedule is available at the counter. Oh - and for those of us watching our diet, there are several lo-carb choices and many that are approved by Methodist Health System's "A Fare of the Heart" program.

Dennis, Marian, and their staff of bakers have been working overtime to get Honey Bunnies and Pastel Rolls ready for Easter.

They also create several ethnic breads and treats. They make Kolaches with homemade filling in honor of Dennis Cihacek's Czechoslovakian heritage, and they also make scones, houska, and mazurkas. Some of their recipes have been developed in response to customer requests.

The store also makes sandwiches - using fresh bread, of course - and has other sweet treats available for sale.

Every corner of the store holds another fun surprise - like local honey available for sale, or these whole wheat dog biscuits. (The dog biscuits were tested and approved by my own Furry Tourists.)

The Cihaceks are also active in the community, providing bread, rolls, and baskets of food to many local organizations for fundraisers and special events.

Next time I have friends visit from out of town, I think I'll take them to Great Harvest Bread Company. In the meantime, I might break off just one more piece of that challah...

Welcome

2010-03-23T12:28:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends,
I'd like to welcome everyone who's recently discovered The Hometown Tourist via the website and/or the Facebook page. I just began this journey of re-discovering my hometown a few months ago, and I've already encountered some wonderful surprises. It's an honor to share those finds with you. It's also wonderful to see a community of people who are looking for the best around them, and I love it when you share your ideas for great places to go and things to see.

I hope you'll feel free to interact with the Hometown Tourist by leaving comments on the blog page or on the wall on Facebook. You are welcome to share your own favorite "tourist stops" for others to enjoy or add your thoughts about places I feature. The wall is open for posting photos, too. So if you have pictures of your favorite place, please share them! (I think this goes without saying - but please make sure photos and comments are appropriate for all ages.)

It's been a little while since my last post, but I want to make sure I'm bringing you the best of what I find. Look for a couple of stories coming up this week. I found a fantastic bakery where they grind their own flour from whole wheat every morning, with delicious results. I'm also enjoying this spring weather with a couple of hikes. Not a whole lot of green in those photos yet, but the blue skies and warmer temps are worth celebrating. (If only I could capture the sound of the wind with my camera...)

Talk to you soon!

Opportunity to Experience Deaf Culture

2010-03-16T20:43:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,
Are you fascinated by sign language? Whenever I tell someone that I work with deaf students, sign language is the first thing they ask about. There are many other aspects of my work, but it was the pull of the language that first drew me to deaf education. And it's still the most fun part. (What other language allows you to talk with your mouth full or have a conversation across a crowded room without interrupting anyone?!)

The Iowa School for the Deaf is providing an opportunity for people to come and experience deaf culture on Friday, March 26th. They're hosting a Family Fun Night from 7 to 9 p.m. that is open to the public. They will have a carnival set up and concessions available. All games will cost 25 cents. I spoke with a staff member today and learned that students from area schools come to participate along with the students from ISD. All families are welcome.

Worried about not knowing the language? Many of the teachers at ISD are hearing, and you will see a lot of "Simultaneous Communication" - speaking and signing at the same time. You might also be surprised at how far gestures can go.

If you'd like to learn a few signs or brush up on your skills ahead of time, the ASL Browser is a free site that has an alphabetical list of words with Quicktime video clips of the signs. They have hundreds of words, and the video clips really help you learn them correctly. This was one of my favorite sites when I started learning sign language. The first book I bought was Signed English: A Basic Guide. It's organized by category and has lots of everyday signs with good illustrations. Between the two, I learned enough signs to start conversing with a deaf student without an interpreter. (Fortunately, she was very patient with me!)

And if all else fails, you can always communicate with a notebook and pen. (Try doing that in another country!)

If you or your kids are interested in sign language, the Family Fun Night at the Iowa School for the Deaf would be a great opportunity to experience a unique culture and language.

Reader's Theater: "Recommended Reading for Girls"

2010-03-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,
Did you hear? My own little hometown received a nod at the Oscars on Sunday evening. Cinematographer Mauro Fiore - a native of Italy who now lives in Papillion - forgot his wife but remembered his adopted city in his acceptance speech after winning the Oscar for his work on Avatar. This is a man who could live anywhere in the world, but he chooses to stay here. And the more I discover and re-discover about my hometown - the more I understand his decision.

Case in point: On Monday evening, local playwright Ellen Struve presented what she called "Draft A" of her newest work through a free Reader's Theater event hosted by the Omaha Community Playhouse. In the intimate setting of the Howard Drew theater, with the set of Death of a Salesman as a backdrop, eight talented actresses gave voice to Struve's play, Recommended Reading for Girls, for the first time. Eight music stands lined the front of the stage to hold the scripts, with eight chairs behind them for when the characters were not "on stage." The narrator read the opening stage directions, and all other distractions quickly faded away as the characters drew us into their story.

The play centers around the three Saunders women. Amy Saunders - 30, single, and sure that she's a disappointment to her mother - has just returned home to help her mother through a round of chemotherapy. She also hopes to talk her mom into joining an experimental drug trial that Amy thinks may give her a better chance of survival. Amy is greeted by her very pregnant sister, Jackie, when she arrives. Their mother, Marilyn, is tired after a round of treatment.

Looking around her childhood home, Amy observes that everything is the same as it always was. But she soon discovers that there are four strange guests in the house...

Strange, but familiar at the same time. Amy realizes they are the heroines from books she had read and loved as a girl - Sara Crewe from The Little Princess, Anne Shirley, Heidi, and a Girl Sleuth (based on the character of Nancy Drew).

Sound implausible? Perhaps. But the fast-paced dialogue between the Saunders sisters and the heroines as they sort things out kept the whole audience - girls and guys alike - laughing all through the first act.

My sister and I were amazed by how perfectly each actress fit the character she was playing, even without the benefit of costumes and makeup. And Struve did a wonderful job of developing her characters while keeping the heroines true to their roots. One of my favorite moments was when Amy Saunders becomes frustrated with Anne Shirley in the second act and taunts her by telling her what will happen when she grows up - that Anne will stay in her hometown, become a teacher, marry the boy next door, and have a bunch of kids. The despairing Anne cries, "But I wanted to die tragically!!!"

In a more serious moment, Amy realizes that all four of the heroines in her home lost their mothers at an early age. The characters also have an interesting conversation about endings. Amy and Anne agree that a happy ending is very satisfying, while Sara Crewe reminds them that a great deal of suffering usually comes first.

The performance was followed by an opportunity for the audience to provide feedback. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Great writing is always a work in progress, and I know that Struve will be hard at work to make her play even stronger. But I think I would pay to see Draft A again - even as reader's theater. It was that good.

Does Omaha have talent? Oh, yes.

Artists Co-Op Gallery

2010-03-07T21:58:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends,
It's been awhile since I've written. My only excursion last weekend was to the movies, and while that was a great escape, it wasn't quite unique enough to be considered a tourist stop. But my first visit to the Artists Cooperative Gallery (405 S. 11th Street) last night was a totally different story.

The gallery is run by artists and for artists. Each member takes shifts as the "gallery watcher," which means that whenever you stop by, you are greeted at the front desk by one of the artists themselves. This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about what inspired a piece or ask those nagging questions that we're usually left to puzzle over.

The artwork on display is changed out every month. And on the first Saturday of the month, the gallery throws an opening party - complete with food and drink - free and open to the public.

I have to admit that I was intimidated by the thought of going to a gallery opening. But I was encouraged by these comments from the website:
   Dress Code: Anything goes. Wear whatever you want. We're very casual.
   Knowledge Level: None required. Your opinion counts.
   Questions: Please ask! Artists love to tell you about their work. All questions are good questions!

I was further encouraged when I called the gallery Saturday afternoon and visited with Mr. Doyle Howitt - the gallery watcher for the day. Howitt was warm and welcoming; he even gave me directions and offered to introduce me to the other artists who would be featured this month.

The gallery itself proved to be as warm and inviting as its watcher. When we arrived, the parking lot was nearly full. Inside, the white-washed brick walls formed an unassuming backdrop for a wide variety of artwork. Dozens of people moved through the room in quiet twos and threes or stopped to to sample the spinach dip and have a glass of water or wine. My traveling companion for the evening was my sister. We spent a little over an hour on our first trip around the gallery; then we went back to re-visit a few of our favorite things. Out of respect for the artists and the other visitors, I didn't take any photos, but please follow the links below to see pictures from the artists' pages.

We were both intrigued by Doyle Howitt's wood sculptures. The UFO pieces on display this month were fun to look at, though I would love to see more of the vases like the ones on his website. The textures and patterns of the wood grains are so beautiful.

We loved Dale Shenefelt's photography - especially "The St. Louis Arch." It is the perfect angle on a perfect arrangement of elements.

Susan M. Sutherland Barnes' collection of leaf bowls held our attention for a long time. We loved the different colors and patterns that she incorporated around the leaf imprints.

My sister was sorely tempted to buy two of Dar Vandevoort's paintings, although I think they would look better at my house... We also found ourselves pondering at length over Virginia Ocken's "Compassion." Done entirely in reddish hues, the figure of a man on his knees, face pressed to the earth - we were moved, but we didn't understand the title of the painting. It seemed to make more sense after we discovered a companion piece in the lobby - "Stumbling."

Neither of us would consider ourselves "artists," but we found many pieces that inspired us to look and keep on looking and then look again. It was exciting to find unexpected details - like puzzle pieces incorporated into a painting - and talk about what the artwork said to us. This adventure took me out of my comfort zone a bit, but I'm so glad that I went.

The gallery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11-5, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, and Sunday from noon to 6. There is no admission charge. Metered parking is available on the street, or there is a parking lot on three sides of the building. Parking in the lot was $7. on Saturday night.

The next opening party will be April 3rd, but you may also be interested in the Ikebana show on March 19th through the 21st.

Little Wonders - A Challenge

2010-02-23T18:06:00.004-06:00

Hello Friends,
In case you didn't know this - I love Rob Thomas. No, the feeling isn't mutual. In fact, I'm fairly certain that he doesn't know I'm alive. And I know that he's married, which makes him not my type anyway. But if he ever wanted to serenade me, I wouldn't turn him down. (As I write this, I'm listening to the title cut from Cradlesong. Love it, love it, love it.)

But what does any of that have to do with the Hometown Tourist?

Not much, really - except that another Rob Thomas song has been going through my head lately as I drive to and from work and run errands in my neighborhood.

It started on the day I noticed a whole family of snowmen in my neighbor's yard. They were all decked out in brightly colored hats and scarves and lined up to wave at passersby.

And it continued when I was driving west one evening and saw a grove of trees whose bare limbs were set ablaze with the brilliance of the setting sun behind them. Just above them, a flock of birds were flying in perfect formation. The temperature couldn't have been above twenty degrees, and snow gleamed white in the field, but those birds flew with all the assurance in the world toward that grove of trees. Perhaps the sunset was keeping them warm.

And every morning as I go to work, the sky outdoes itself again. Oranges, purples, pinks, and hazy blues in every shade. The clouds only add to the splendor, bringing new swirls and whirls of color in fascinating shapes. Someday, I will leave my house early enough to stop and take pictures on the way.

But as I drive, craning my neck and using my mirrors to see as much of the sunrise as possible, I think about Marcel Proust and Rob Thomas.

Proust wrote, "The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

And Rob Thomas?

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

"Little Wonders" is the song that I think about when I'm suddenly confronted with something amazing in the midst of an ordinary day.

And I think Proust had it right. We don't need long voyages as much as we need new eyes to see the wonder around us. That is, after all, what being a Hometown Tourist is all about, right?

So here is my challenge to you... Keep your eyes open wide for a little wonder. It might be something in nature, a moment that you share with a child, or a random act of kindness that you see. It could be anything. Look for those moments. And when you find them, would you please share them with me? I would love to enjoy them with you. (Or vicariously through you - I'm really being selfish, but pretend you didn't hear that.) And if you happen to get a picture, be sure to include a link in your comment.

Hope to hear from you soon.

God bless.

Outdoor Adventure with My Favorite Furry Tourists

2010-02-20T16:34:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,
I was inspired by a Minnesota friend's blog to look for an outdoor adventure this week. Yes, it's been cold and snowy - but if those northerners can venture out to enjoy it, then we can too! And Fontenelle Forest (1111 North Bellevue Blvd) was offering free admission from 8 to 5 today, which made it a perfect stop for the "Free to $5" tour. Their website asserts that there's no such thing as the "dead" of winter, and they have a month-by-month guide explaining what birds and animals to look for as you hike their 26 miles of trails.

But animal issues closer to home led to a change in my itinerary. On Thursday morning, I got a message at work saying that my dog was having her third seizure in 10 minutes. She's had seizures before, but never with this intensity. She spent the rest of the day at the vet's office for observation and tests. She was back to her normal, chipper self the next day, but we're still waiting on results from one more test to determine what's causing the seizures before we can start any medication. Until then, I don't want to leave her home alone. Yes, I'm being over-protective - but she's my baby.

Like most nature reserves, Fontenelle Forest doesn't allow dogs. But the Omaha area has lots of great parks and trails that are pet-friendly, and mine are always up for a jaunt. With the temperature hovering in the upper twenties and the wind calm, we set out from downtown Papillion to see what we could see.

After a short walk through the city park, we started down Halleck Park trail. It was covered in about an inch of snow, and judging from the tracks, we weren't the first to go down it today.

I'm blessed to have dogs that walk well together. And also know how to wait patiently when I pull out my camera!

Looking at her now, you'd never know this girl had such a rough day on Thursday.

When we got to the park, we found three intrepid ice fishermen trying their luck on the pond.

We're blessed in Nebraska to have beautiful, sunny days even in the winter time. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of them. Most of the landscape was white and gray, broken only by the dark brown of naked tree limbs stretched out against the gray sky. But here and there we found a splash of red...

It's been a hard winter for many of us in many ways. But spring will come. And in the meantime, we can still enjoy our time with those we love - both humans and furry, almost-humans - and look for those splashes of color that so often come when we least expect them.

Vet Bill: $344.00

Saturday stroll with two of my best friends: Priceless

Caffeine Dreams

2010-02-17T17:57:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends,
I seem to be on a coffee shop kick this week. Don't worry - I'll be venturing out in a different direction this weekend. (For a hint about my next blog, see the "Upcoming Events and Activities" list in the right-hand column.) But I got to catch up with an old friend from college at Caffeine Dreams (4524 Farnam) on Monday, and it was so great that I had to take some photos and tell you about it.

Just inside the door, you'll see the front counter and a menu featuring traditional coffee shop fare and some special drinks like the Pipe Dream or the Day Dreamer. If I hadn't already ordered a chai latte, I probably would have blown my diet for the day on the latter. Ghirardelli chocolate, caramel, and praline - umm, yes please! But my only complaint with the chai was how quickly it disappeared from my cup. The prices were reasonable. I paid $3.05 for 16 ounces, including tax. Other drinks ranged from $1.50 to $4.00, and they have sandwiches and smoothies as well.

I read the newspaper at a counter facing the front window while I waited for my friend. Then we took our cups and headed through the doorway to the side/back of the shop. We stepped from the bright entryway into a pleasantly darker room with two levels of seating. Even at 2:30 on a Monday, most of the tables and couches were occupied, but we found a table next to this fun machine.

We didn't play any games on this visit, but it wasn't for a lack of options...

I noticed that the artwork on the wall next to our table had artist and pricing information on it. I talked to the manager and learned that all of the art in the shop is by local artists. The store does not take a commission for displaying the pieces, so if you see something you like, you can buy it knowing the artist will get 100% of the proceeds.

I also learned from the manager that Caffeine Dreams roasts their own beans in house. And they have live music by local bands and some visiting groups. And they have free wi-fi access.

And if you need one more reason to visit - they have an ample parking lot directly across the street that's for Caffeine Dreams customers only. (This Tourist hates parallel parking, so this is a great incentive for me.)

If you visit, have a nice, hot beverage for me. I'll need the warmth for my next adventure!